49ers defense looking forward to hitting ASmith

[Kaepernick]

Originally Posted by Mavericks Ace

If anyone wants to know why I respect Alex Smith, just look at how he is talked about by his ex teammates. Nothing but respect.

True that. There is mutual respect and affection.

49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula insists the razzing by his defenders is all in good fun. Tomsula started Smith for the regular season finale in 2010 in Tomsula's lone game as interim head coach following the firing of Mike Singletary.

''They're throwing that out there. That's an inside joke to Alex,'' Tomsula said. ''They all just like him so much, they really do. It's a good banter, is what it is.''